The Register's Editorial: Iowa's redistricting plan: Does it make a difference?

10:36 PM,
Oct. 11, 2013

Written by

The Register?s Editorial Board

One of the reasons cited for the
breakdown of cooperation in the U.S. House
is the gerrymandering of safe congressional districts.

A growing number of voices have suggested looking to Iowa for a better way, because Iowa law does not allow legislators to get directly involved in drawing legislative district maps. The job is done by the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency, which proposes district maps every decade following a census. Lawmakers either approve or reject them. Maps may only be amended after the first two proposed district maps have been rejected in succession.